Yes, it may be true. Eating a diet rich in certain nutrients may help support vision health and keep major age-related issues at an arm’s length (and no, we’re not just talking about carrots). How you ask? Vitamins and minerals from particular foods can reduce your risk of macular degeneration (impaired vision caused by deterioration of the retina), cataracts (cloudy areas in the eye lens) and other age-related vision issues. Luckily, we already know some of the best food sources – so you can start loading up your plate right away. It’s one of the easiest ways you can begin protecting your vision now for the years to come.
Here are five surprising foods that may help keep your eyes healthy and your vision sharp:
- Green leafy vegetables
- Leafy greens, like spinach, kale and collards, contain certain antioxidants that can lower risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration.
- Egg yolks
- Egg yolk contains antioxidants (luetin and zeaxanthin) and as zinc, both of which can reduce cataract and macular degeneration risk.
- Fatty fish
- Fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel are all rich in DHA. When DHA is low, it can be linked to dry eye syndrome. DHA may also be important to retinal health.
- Vitamin C
- Which can be found in oranges, berries or other citrus fruits. Vitamin C can reduce risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
- Almonds
- Rich in vitamin E, which can slow macular degeneration.
And if you want to find more food sources for healthy vision, check out this list here. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/top-foods-to-help-protect-your-vision
